Josephine Wilson

Josephine “Jo” Wilson passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, Arizona on January 27th, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Jo was born on May 17th, 1945 in Otter Lake, Michigan to William and Mildred Sickner. The youngest of seven children, she grew up on the same small dairy farm in which she was born. She attended Otter Lake High School and during her senior year she met Eugene C. Wilson, whom she later married in July of 1964. They lived in the Flint, Michigan area until Gene was drafted into the Army in 1970 at which time Gene and Jo moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey (Ft. Monmouth Army Base), where they lived for 3 years. Upon the end of Gene’s tour in the Army, they moved back to Michigan. Jo became a homemaker to raise her two children, Danny and Sandy. In 1988 Gene’s company, General Motors, relocated the family to Arizona where they lived in Apache Junction until 2015 when she moved to Mesa with Gene. Throughout her working years, Jo worked in the restaurant industry as well as in the Apache Junction School District cafeterias, primarily as a prep and line cook. Jo enjoyed baking, cooking, gardening, sewing, making ceramics, camping, and spending time with her family. She leaves behind her prized Precious Moments figurine collection and her beloved doggie, Sophie. We love you Mom, you will forever be in our hearts.

Jo was preceded in death by her father and mother, William and Mildred Sickner, brother, Clarence Sickner, sister, Shirley Thatcher, sister, Eldora Keen, sister, Gladys Kline, and brother-in-law, Donald Wilson.

Jo is survived by her husband, Gene Wilson, son, Danny (Alicia) Wilson, daughter, Sandy Wilson, grandchildren, Julianna Froemel and Joshua Wilson, brother, William (Florence) Sickner, sister, Mary Lou Kline, brother-in-law, Donald Kline, sister-in-law, Linda (Eric) Stapula, sister-in-law, Carol Franks, brother-in-law, Edward (Dee) Wilson, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Mesa East Foursquare Church on Saturday, February 10th at 10:00am. Address: 9350 E Brown Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207.

Following the service, a luncheon and celebration of life will be held at 12pm noon. Address: 3283 E. Boston St. Gilbert, AZ 85295.